Photos courtesy of Jennifer Bloom ’24
Name, Pronouns, Class Year:
Jennifer Bloom
she/her/hers
2024
Major(s), minors, centers, pathways:
Majors: Human Development & Psychology
Minor: Educational Studies
Center: Holleran Center Program in Community Action (PICA)
What program are you enrolled in?
Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand
What made you choose this program?
When deciding where to study abroad, I was always fascinated by New Zealand and I’d never met anyone who studied abroad there. Although this is just about as far as I could possibly go, I wanted to learn more about a country that I genuinely didn’t know much about. My university seemed to have a healthy balance of courses that aren’t offered at Conn while also supporting and encouraging me to explore the country and maximize my time here as an international student.
How have you adjusted to life there?
When I arrived in Wellington in February, it was an overwhelming adjustment: living with so many people, navigating unknown environments, making friends, and establishing new routines. It was overstimulating, yet essential to my experience and happiness here. I’m now eleven weeks in and have gradually felt comfort in who I’m with and where I’m at, which has been a lovely reminder of personal growth.
Were there any clichés that were proven true or false?
When I was applying to study in New Zealand, I was shocked that the people with whom I communicated during the application process were so laid back. I’d always send timely emails and respond within a day whenever I received information about my applications, but I wouldn’t hear back from anyone in NZ for at least a week and a half (if not longer). I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got here, but I can confirm that this is just how Kiwis (citizens of NZ) live. Everyone and everything is leisure and runs on an extremely loose schedule.
What is your housing situation? What is that like?
I live in an area called the Kelburn Flats, and I’m specifically in a flat with 17 other students! The flats are independent, apartment-style living and are all located together in the same neighborhood. Everyone has their own room, but there are communal areas such as the kitchen, living room, bathrooms, and laundry. It’s definitely crowded at times, especially during meal times, but I love having everyone together. I have flatmates from the United States, the Netherlands, Singapore, New Zealand, Germany, Japan, and England. It’s been wonderful getting to know and live with people from all over the world and learn from them as we go through this journey together.
What is a typical day like? Is it similar to Conn at all?
My schedule varies depending on the day! I typically have two classes per day (with lecture sizes of up to two hundred students) and am done by the early afternoon. After classes, my friends and I will usually do some work in the library and then head back home to have lunch. When our schedules (and the weather) allow, we like to go on day hikes! I’ve also been rowing here with the Vic Uni Rowing Club, so I either have practice early in the morning or afternoon. I always end my nights by having dinner and hanging out with my best friends, Robin and Stevee, who live right next door. Some nights, we go downtown to Courtenay Place or Cuba Street, which is where a lot of Wellington’s night-life takes place (live music, trivia games, restaurants, shows). While there are small reminders of Conn, it’s a completely different experience and way of living in New Zealand.
Are you involved in anything outside of just classes?
Yes! I’ve been rowing with the Vic Uni Rowing Club, which has been an incredible experience. It’s such a supportive and fun team to be part of here. I’m on the Women’s Rowing team at Conn, so I feel right at home. In April, we got to travel to Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel for the New Zealand University Rowing Championships. I participated in three races in one day and even won a medal! With the rowing season coming to a close, I’m hoping to find a children’s daycare that I can volunteer at.
What advice would you give to people preparing to go away?
For people preparing to go away, I would encourage them to embrace ambiguity and accept changes as they arise. Although life abroad is drastically different from life at home, going in with an open mind and heart will lead you to the most exciting possibilities and surprises. I met Stevee, who is one of my best friends here and quite literally my next door neighbor, on my very first night at a welcome pasta dinner, and we’ve stuck by each other’s side ever since.
What do you think you would have liked to know that you know now?
I would have liked to know that supporting myself is one of the biggest priorities and is more difficult to do when I’m not at home. I entered a brand new environment, surrounded by unknown people, and enrolled in courses that are unlike anything I’ve ever taken before. Amidst the excitement of going abroad, it can be challenging to look after and support yourself when everything that you know so well is suddenly gone—it’s a chance to start fresh and create the experience that you want while looking after yourself on a daily basis.
